FOUR more men are being investigated by police over claims of fraud at Lancashire County Council.

The news was revealed as a file on the five-year 'Operation Sheridan' inquiry was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service in London.

In May last year, four men were arrested in connection with the probe and bailed on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and witness intimidation.

They were Cllr Geoff Driver, the leader of Lancashire County Council; the authority's former chief executive Ged Fitzgerald; his successor Phil Halsall; and former One Connect chief executive David McElhinney.

They were not arrested on suspicion of fraud and all four deny any wrongdoing.

Operation Sheridan is an investigation into a £5m tender awarded to One Connect Ltd: a joint venture between the council and BT.

The file sent to the CPS today covers the whole scope of the inquiry and the police revealed today that it related to eight men between 56 and 73, not just the four arrested last year.

It is understood that any decision on charging and prosecution is likely to take a considerable period of time.

Cllr Driver said this morning: "I have no comment to make."

A police spokesman said today: "In September 2013 Lancashire County Council referred to Lancashire Constabulary some allegations of financial irregularity.

"An investigation was launched and following a complex and lengthy enquiry a file of evidence has now been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration.

"The investigative bail period has now been suspended as a result of the file being submitted.

"We have submitted evidence relating to eight individuals. We will not give any further details about these individuals other than to say they are all men aged between 56 and 73."

Cllr Driver, Mr Fitzgerald, Mr Halsall and Mr McElhinney remains subject to bail conditions but are no longer required to attend police stations on a regular basis.

A CPS spokesman said: “We received a file of evidence from Lancashire Police in relation to allegations of fraud.

"This is a complex file which will now be considered in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and a decision will be made in due course.”